Abstract

The mid-Pennsylvanian (Desmoinesian–Virgilian) deposits from the Buckhorn Asphalt Quarry Lagerstätte near Sulphur, Oklahoma, are characterized by siliciclastic–carbonate rocks. One of these deposits is the ‘cephalopod coquina’ that contains a large amount of orthocerid and coiled nautiloid, and ammonoid shell remains. These were used for a detailed study on bioerosion in cephalopod shells in order to help in the reconstruction of the paleoenvironment and to increase the general knowledge on bioerosion in fossil cephalopods. More than 50 shell fragments were cast and investigated. The shells cast and investigated in this study comprise a diverse set of ichnotaxa-/forms. Besides chlorophyte and cyanobacterial traces, also rhodophyte, fungal, and spongal traces are present as well as those of unknown origin. In addition, there are six ichnoforms that might have foraminiferans as producers. In orthoceratids, Ichnoreticulina elegans and a curly morphotype of Scolecia isp. are most common while the abundance in coiled cephalopods is dominated by the ‘superthin form’, the ‘extremely thin form’, and Flagrichnus profundus. In total, 22 ichnotaxa and -forms were recognized and 12 of these have their oldest record in the Carboniferous. The succession of ichnotaxa/-forms in the casts of orthocones suggests deposition in the deep euphotic to dysphotic zone of the Buckhorn sea while shells of coiled specimens had drifted for a while; they were therefore more prone to bioerosion by autotrophs until they sank to the seafloor.

Notes

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful for the support by and discussions with Max Wisshak (Senckenberg am Meer, Wilhelmshaven). Many thanks go to Mrs. Heltzel who allowed us to sample the Buckhorn Asphalt Quarry deposits on her private property. I would also like to acknowledge the reviewers for their helpful comments on the manuscript to improve its quality, namely S. Golubic and O. Vinn. This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grant number SE 2283/2-1]; and a FAU-award [‘Bavarian Equal Opportunities Sponsorship—Förderung von Frauen in Forschung und Lehre (FFL)—Promoting Equal Opportunities for Women in Research and Teaching’].

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